BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Bowdoin College men's basketball team mounted a late rally but came up just short in a 71-67 loss to Middlebury on Friday evening in Morrell Gymnasium. The Polar Bears fall to 6-10 (0-3 NESCAC) while the Panthers improve to 7-8 (2-1 NESCAC).
 
Game Highlights

• A back-and-forth first half saw Middlebury close the half on a 7-0 surge to take a 28-23 lead into intermission.
• The offense picked up for both teams in the second half, especially for the Panthers in the early moments, as the visitors rolled off a 9-0 run to push their lead to double figures, and extended it to 18 with under 12 minutes to play.
• Bowdoin mounted a furious rally, capping a 17-2 surge with an Alex Halpern three-pointer that cut the lead to 52-49 with 7:40 to go.
• The Polar Bears tied the game four minutes later on a three-pointer from James McGowan, 60-60, with 2:11 remaining.
• Middlebury replied with a huge four-point play on their next possession as Noah Osher nailed a trifecta and was fouled, giving the Panthers a 64-60 edge.
• Bowdoin was able to cut it to a single point on one occasion but could get no closer than that as the Panthers went 6-8 from the free throw line in the final two minutes to seal the win.

By the Numbers

• Middlebury finished at 46% shooting from the field compared to 42% for the Polar Bears, but Bowdoin connected on 11 three-pointers to keep the game close.
• James McGowan led Bowdoin with 14 points and five rebounds while Michael Simonds added 13 and Natrel Allen had 12.
• Alex Halpern and Ben Chilson each had eight off the bench for the Polar Bears.
• Middlebury held a 39-29 edge in rebounding and cashed in for 15 second-chance points in the win.

Up Next

• Bowdoin returns to action in Morrell Gymnasium tomorrow against Williams at 3:00 p.m.